Southwest Retreat: Samford Camp Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The bus tour rolled into Birmingham for the Samford stop, and the energy matched the beautiful campus setting. Competition was wide open, and nearly every athlete got meaningful reps in. As we near the end of the journey, today was a reminder of how much growth has taken place—and how many names are starting to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1279444' first='Ayden' last='Wallace'] | QB | 2026 | Lakewood |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/aydendwall16">@aydendwall16</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wallace has taken a noticeable leap this offseason. He delivered the ball with confidence and showed improved footwork and command during 1v1s. There's more zip on his throws, and he looks ready to take control of a varsity offense this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687610' first='Gavin' last='Davis'] | WR | 2027 | ZCA |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GavinKDavis11">@GavinKDavis11</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis continues to check boxes. He showed real burst out of his breaks today and made several tough catches leaving DBs behind. Between his track speed and return ability, there's a lot to like about his long-term upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238987' first='Mekell' last='King'] | DB | 2026 | Specially Fit Academy |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KingMekell">@KingMekell</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>King set the tone from the start. Physical in coverage, vocal between reps, and didn't back down from top competition. His stock keeps climbing, and today only reinforced that he belongs in recruiting conversations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Walker | DB | 2026 | Wharton |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Jordan_walker23">@Jordan_walker23</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker had one of the best showings of any DB on the field. Played with controlled aggression and stayed glued in man coverage. He's putting together a strong summer résumé.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Mirabella | RB | 2026 | Alonso |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/willmirabe1la">@willmirabe1la</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mirabella runs with purpose. He showcased balance, speed, and good hands during drills. A workhorse-type back who continues to open eyes with his all-around skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josiah Carter | QB | 2029 | ZCA |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carterjojo5">@carterjojo5</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of youngest QB in the rotation continues to impress. Carter ripped a few tight-window throws and looked poised beyond his years. Big upside—and he's soaking in every rep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='690863' first='Myles' last='McDonald'] | QB | 2027 | Carrollwood Day |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/813_mcdonald">@813_mcdonald</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDonald was once again one of the cleanest passers on the field. Quick release, sharp reads, and he spun it well in tight coverage. His camp circuit buzz continues to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='608343' first='Luke' last='Wilson'] | WR | 2028 | CCC |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/luke_wil7">@luke_wil7</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson's route-running has been on point all tour, and today he proved again that he can separate and finish. So far, Georgia State and Howard took notice with an offer—and more could follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KJ Roos | QB | 2028 | Durant |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KJ_Roos">@KJ_Roos</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roos continues to stack good days. He's calm in the pocket, showed touch on deep balls, and clearly has a solid football IQ for his age. A name that's trending up for the long haul.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212284' first='Joel' last='Morris'] | QB | 2026 | Booker |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Joe1morris">@Joe1morris</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris has the arm to make all the throws. He showed flashes of high-level play again today and needs to keep pushing for consistency. The raw talent and upside is clearly there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tysen Norton | QB | 2026 | Springstead |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TysenN2026">@TysenN2026</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was again on of Norton's best days yet. He threw confidently and showed off good movement skills. He's a sleeper to watch heading into the fall season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaleb Reincke | WR | 2030 |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KalebReincke">@KalebReincke</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reincke made the catch of the day, one handed. Has a ways to go physically, but the speed and tracking ability are encouraging. Early signs of upside down the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jorge Mercado | ATH | 2026 |&nbsp;<a href="https://instagram.com/Jorge.m12345">@Jorge.m12345</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mercado brought juice from the RB/slot spot. Quick in and out of breaks, good hands, and had several tough catches he brought it. A definite name to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frankie Cherry | QB | 2026 |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/FrankieFC12">@FrankieFC12</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cherry was steady throughout. He's got the arm talent and command to compete anywhere—just needs to keep building off this strong bud showing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ty Lee | QB | 2029 |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Ty_LeeQb1">@Ty_LeeQb1</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee continues to hold his own against older competition. His mechanics are clean, and he shows flashes of advanced poise. A solid base to keep developing from.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caleb McFarlane | QB | 2027 | Lakeland |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/caleb_mc4">@caleb_mc4</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McFarlane continues to impress with his consistency. Efficient and smart with the football—he doesn't try to do too much. Coaches are starting to take note.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Calvin | QB | 2027 | Gibbs |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/imjordancalvin9">@imjordancalvin9</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Calvin is stacking days. His raw arm strength speaks volumes, and he followed it up with another composed showing today. A strong summer could put him firmly on the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Steven LeBlanc | QB | 2029 |&nbsp;<a href="https://instagram.com/stev_en112115">@stev_en112115</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LeBlanc again had a well-rounded showing. Took meaningful reps on the tour while showcasing his athleticism and versatility. He's finding ways to contribute and compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elijah Stratford | DB | 2026 | Wharton |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ElijahStratford">@ElijahStratford</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stratford is transitioning smoothly to defensive back. Looked fluid in coverage and showed good timing. The position switch is starting to pay off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alexander Birner | LB | 2029 | @BirnerAlexander</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Birner showed up today and let the competition know it. From warm ups, he was on timing and looked real good during the 1v1 period as he came up with a couple nice PBUs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1265365' first='Christian' last='Birner'] | LB | 2026 | Steinbrenner |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Christian_B12"><strong>@Chris</strong>tian_B12</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Birner brought physicality to every rep. One of the few true backers in attendance, and he made it count. Covers ground and plays with a motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Pauliot | ATH | 2028 |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Mason_V_Pauliot"><strong>@Mason_V_Paulio</strong>t</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pauliot continues to flash athletic upside. Still putting the full picture together, and he's improving each stop. Someone to watch as he develops and soaks in meaningful reps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beckam Bell | QB | 2029 | (IG: beckambell)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a 2030, he's got m poise and touch to work with over the years. Steadily building confidence as he gets in the needed reps. Like his attitude and approach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Babies | WR | —</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Babies is starting to settle in and play faster. Reliable hands today and a few tough grabs in traffic. He's trending in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->